Smoke Density & Toxicity Testing

Smoke Density & Toxicity Testing evaluates the smoke and combustion byproducts produced by aircraft interior materials when exposed to fire conditions. Smoke density testing measures the amount of smoke generated by materials such as plastics, composites, textiles, and coatings, while toxicity testing evaluates potentially hazardous gases released during combustion. Together, these tests provide critical information about material performance during a fire event and help manufacturers demonstrate compliance with applicable aircraft interior safety and certification requirements. ACES provides testing support for materials and components throughout the development and certification process.

Two blue smoke density testing chambers in an ACES laboratory, featuring open test compartments, specimen holders, and electronic control panels with digital displays and gauges.

Smoke Density testing evaluates the smoke-emission characteristics of aircraft cabin materials when specimens are exposed to a combination of burner flame and radiant heat.

The resulting data helps determine how much smoke a material may generate under fire conditions and supports evaluation of materials used throughout the aircraft interior.

Testing can be used to demonstrate compliance with applicable requirements of 14 CFR § 25.853(d).

Typical Material Applications

Interior Panels Decorative and structural panel materials used throughout aircraft cabin interiors.
Textiles Upholstery, fabrics, dress-cover materials, and other interior textile products.
Plastics Polymer-based materials used in aircraft interior components and assemblies.
Composite Materials Composite materials used in cabin components, panels, and other interior applications.

Applicable CFRs

Toxicity testing evaluates the combustion products generated when aircraft materials are exposed to fire.

The testing can provide information about gases and other combustion byproducts produced during burning and can be performed to support applicable regulatory requirements or customer-defined material specifications.

Materials Commonly Evaluated

Plastics Interior plastics and polymer-based components used in aircraft cabin applications.
Composite Materials Composite panels and other multi-layer material systems used within aircraft interiors.
Textiles Fabrics, upholstery materials, and other textile products used within the aircraft cabin.
Coatings Coatings and finishes applied to aircraft interior materials and components.
Toxicity testing can also be performed according to customer-supplied specifications when project requirements extend beyond standard certification criteria.

Applicable Requirements

Smoke Density and Toxicity testing can be coordinated with ACES engineering, flammability, and certification resources as part of a broader aircraft material qualification or certification program.

ACES can support customers from initial test planning and specimen preparation through laboratory testing, evaluation of results, documentation, and certification coordination.

Test Planning Assistance identifying the appropriate test approach based on the material, aircraft application, and certification basis.
Specimen Preparation Coordination of specimen configuration and preparation requirements prior to laboratory testing.
Laboratory Testing In-house smoke-density and toxicity testing performed under controlled test conditions.
Documentation Support Test results and supporting documentation can be coordinated with broader engineering and certification activities.
Combining laboratory testing with ACES engineering and certification resources can help reduce unnecessary coordination between separate organizations during material qualification and certification programs.

Applicable CFRs